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Bizen Potter's Organization: A Gateway to Bizen Ware

Discover the rustic beauty of Bizen ware at the Bizen Potter's Organization, a center for Okayama's renowned pottery tradition.

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The Bizen Potter's Organization in Bizen, Okayama, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the region's distinctive Bizen ware. Serving as both a pottery store and a tourist information center, it's an ideal starting point for exploring the history, techniques, and beauty of this ancient Japanese craft.

A brief summary to Bizen Potter's Organization

Local tips

  • Visit during the Bizen-yaki Festival in October for a vibrant celebration of pottery and local culture.
  • Try your hand at pottery making at one of the nearby kilns to experience the craft firsthand.
  • Explore the town of Imbe, where many potters have their studios and galleries.
  • Look for the different types of Bizen ware, such as *goma*, *hidasuki*, and *sangiri*, each with its unique patterns and colors.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Shizutani School, Japan's oldest public school, for a glimpse into the region's history and culture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Bizen Potter's Organization is located in Inbe, a short walk from JR Imbe Station. Upon exiting the station, walk north. The organization is located near the Bizen Pottery Art Museum and the Bizen-yaki Traditional Pottery Center.

  • Public Transport

    From Okayama Station, take the JR Ako Line to Imbe Station. The journey takes approximately 40-50 minutes. The fare is around ¥500-¥750. From other areas in Bizen, local buses or taxis can be used to reach Imbe Station, as train connections within Bizen are limited.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from nearby train stations such as Yoshinaga Station. A taxi from Yoshinaga Station to the Bizen Potter's Organization will cost approximately ¥2,500. Taxi fares vary, but a short trip within Imbe should cost around ¥700-¥1,000.

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Discover more about Bizen Potter's Organization

The Bizen Potter's Organization offers an immersive introduction to Bizen ware, a type of Japanese pottery with a rich history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). Bizen ware, also known as Bizen-yaki or Imbe ware, is traditionally produced in and around the village of Imbe in Bizen province, now part of Okayama prefecture. It is one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan. What sets Bizen ware apart is its unique production process. Unlike other ceramics, Bizen ware is not glazed. Instead, it relies on the natural properties of the clay and the effects of the kiln firing to create its distinctive colors and textures. The clay, typically sourced from local rice fields and mountains, is rich in iron and aged for several years to enhance its plasticity and heat resistance. The pottery is then fired at high temperatures (1,200 to 1,300 degrees Celsius) in wood-burning kilns for an extended period, often around 10 days. During the firing process, the interaction between the clay, the flames, and the ash creates a variety of unique patterns and colors, known as *yohen* (kiln effects). Some of the most well-known *yohen* include *goma* (sesame seed-like sprinkles caused by ash adhering to the pottery), *hidasuki* (reddish markings created by wrapping the pottery in straw), and *sangiri* (enigmatic patterns resulting from blocked airflow during firing). These natural variations mean that no two Bizen ware pieces are ever exactly alike. The Bizen Potter's Organization showcases a wide array of Bizen ware, from functional tableware and tea ceremony utensils to decorative vases and art pieces. The organization also serves as a tourist information center, providing visitors with resources to explore the surrounding area and learn more about the history and techniques of Bizen ware.

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